Pilgrimage is a Sacred journey—a movement that brings us toward the Divine.
While pilgrims have set out on soul-stirring journeys in search of transformation and Sacred Encounter for thousands of years, the pilgrim isn’t simply a person on a physical journey. The pilgrim lives within each one of us and accompanies us on our journeys at home, too.
Which type of pilgrim are you, and where is the Sacred Guide leading? Begin your exploration by seeing if you align with one of these seven pilgrim archetypes:
the nomad
A pilgrim with no destination in mind, the Nomad is a wanderer, compelled to leave what is known behind even if it means there’s no clear path ahead.
the seeker
Fueled by a certainty that something more awaits just beyond the horizon, the Seeker’s quest is to follow the Light, knowing that it always leads to Life.
the wayfarer
Rooted in the Old English word fær, meaning “journey” or “passage,” the Wayfarer is the traditional pilgrim following the well-worn path of those who have gone before him.
the pioneer
A pilgrim in spirit and a visionary at heart, the Pioneer sets off down unmarked paths and blazes new trails, unafraid to encounter the wilderness of the unknown on his search for the Sacred.
the sojourner
A sojourn is a temporary stay, and the Sojourner is a pilgrim in a liminal place—a traveler in between one season of life and the next.
the voyager
The Voyager is one who, as the Celtic tradition of peregrinatio tells us, wanders for the love of God, setting out into life’s tumultuous seas, like St. Brendan the Navigator and St. Columba of Iona, with faith as his guide.
GO FURTHER
Learn more about these pilgrim archetypes and incorporate them into your daily pilgrimage practice with the Pilgrim Archetype Deck in the Journey Shop. Along with an archetypal image, each card contains a guiding quote, a description, a shadow side, and rich symbolism to further unveil the journey’s invitation. In addition, each card provides invitations for spiritual practice, with unique breath prayers and opportunities for imagery work through the practice of visio divina. Use these cards as icons, meditations, and guides to summon your inner pilgrim, uncover your current journey, or discern the path ahead. Visit the Journey Shop »